Our Summer Vacation: Disneyland Resort California

This summer we had a family reunion in Southern California. Since we already were buying tickets to fly down for that exciting event, we decided this would be a great summer to visit “the happiest place on Earth” – Disneyland Resort. Our daughter is 5 years old and we knew she would have an amazing time. Plus, my husband and I are like two big kids. We love theme parks.Always have. Always will.

We had free nights at a local hotel chain that we redeemed and were only a few blocks away from the entrance to Disneyland Park. A fun walk through Downtown Disney the night before was necessary so we knew exactly the way to get into the Park. Going to Disneyland Park in July can be pretty warm. We brought our own reusable water bottles which we refilled numerous times in the Park with ice cold water from the restaurants and vendors.

We decided to spend two days at the Disneyland Resort. We wanted to spend the first day at Disneyland Park and the second day at Disney California Adventure Park. You really need at least two days here. We could have easily spent another day. There was so much we didn’t get to see that we would have like to. When we go back we will most likely get a 3 day park hopper.

We purchased an amazing app that allowed us to plan our day at Disneyland. Based on statistics of the time of year, wait times are calculated and your day is planned out for you. If you follow the app we purchased you won’t spend more than 20 minutes in line ever. And you know what? It worked. It was amazing. But, it was a busy day and with two young kids it wasn’t always easy to stick to the plan. If anyone personally knows my husband, then you know this app was made for people with his personality.

Our Little Man loved Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Fantasyland. He cried when we got off. Because we were a little ahead on time (based on our app) we went on Dumbo twice. He still cried the second time as well.

The night before we went to Disneyland we visited the local Walmart. We purchased an autograph book and souvenirs there at a much cheaper price. When we got to Mickey’s Toontown my Princess pulled out her autograph book and large marker (so the cast members could easily hold the pen) and excitedly visited a few characters. There were times she was more excited to get autographs in her book than ride the rides!

I had my own favorite rides at Disneyland. Besides the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride, I also loved It’s a Small World. It was a lively, colorful, and fun cruise through various cultures. The music played and was sung in different languages based on the character’s ethnic background. My Princess and I sang at the top of our lungs and had a grand time. It takes 15 minutes to go through and very much worth it. Even my Little Man loved it.

Besides the amazing rides we also loved the live shows like Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. With amazing floats and so many Disney characters, the street parades are a must see. My kids LOVED them. My daughter had the camera and sat curbside and took so many photos. Get to the curb early, they rope it off when it gets full. Pick your seat and patiently wait. We got a much needed treat while we were waiting.

Here is what worked for us at Disneyland Park:

Take advantage of the Fast Pass (1 per hour for busy rides is necessary)

Take advantage of the Parent Swap (when you have a baby parents can each ride with the older child without waiting in line)

Use apps that either plan your day or show you wait times

Bring your own water bottle

Bring snacks

Bring a sharpie marker so characters can sign your book

A double stroller is necessary when you have two kids (you can rent one there)

Bring a water bottle to spray your hot face and bare skin to cool down

Get to shows early enough for a good seat

Things we’ll do differently on our next visit:

Use exit lines not Fast Pass lines for the parent swap (duh!)

Fantasmic! doesn’t entertain a 5 year old

Get a three day park hopper

Find more characters for autographs

Wear tennis shoes instead of walking sandals

Get extra maps because we kept losing ours or utilize the Disney Park Map app

Comments

You can ask any park associate for a map when you’re walking through the park. Just about every stand has them 🙂 And Fantasmic is great for different ages depending on the kids. Maybe she’d prefer World of Color next door at DCA? My son and daughter LOVE Fantasmic 🙂

Last year was our most recent trip to Disney World here in Orlando,Florida. I took my four year old daughter for the first time during their Christmas extravaganza. I wish I would have had your pointers last December! It was a lot of work keeping her entertained and all of our stuff organized throughout the day. Next time we are definitely getting the Fast Pass because long lines and kiddos don’t mix. It was way to hot to be standing outside for 20-40 minutes each time! You guys look like you had a wonderful time. Love the photos and smiles 🙂

We could not have stood in line for an 1 hour or more. The longest we stood in line was 20 minutes. That app and those fast passes and parent passes really worked well. It was hot though. That was my only real complaint. I want to go another time of year next time.

Nicole we purchased Ride Max. It is a bit pricey but well worth it not to wait in line more than 20 minutes at Disneyland. You have to stick to the schedule though. It only works based on the laid out schedule. You can choose 3 speeds of movement though and we picked the medium speed. So you can go slow but you must got to each ride at the set time.

I grew up in LA and spent the bulk of my younger life at Disneyland. I’m currently pregnant, and can’t wait to experience Disney again! One of my favorite things is to go during the holiday seasons. IE Fourth Of July, Christmas, Halloween, Easter… The way the park is decorated is absolutely beautiful, and such a treat. They also have special firework shows and parades.
What was the name of the App that you purchased?

Megan, it would be so fun to have a season pass to Disneyland. I purchased the Ride Max app. It was pricey but so worth it. A family friend told us all about it and we were sold! It did all the work for us and we didn’t have to wait in lines more than 10 minutes or so. You must be able to follow the plan to the T though. Our family is able to, but I understand not all families are interested in that kind of strict structure.

Great tips. I got to get the app to guide me around Disney. That got to really help get around Disney since it a huge theme park. The rides looks amazing and fun to ride with the kids. Most looking forward to the it a small world. I heard it’s back again. Really love to see that ride.

My husband and I have been to Disney a lot but we have yet to take our kids. Our son is 3.5 and our daughter will be 1 next month. Great info about parent swap! I wouldn’t have thought to use the exit line.

Take time to soak in the atmosphere. A Disney trip can be hectic and frazzling when trying to ride every important ride and keep kids happy. There is beauty, and entertainment, and fun everywhere in the parks and it’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. *0*

We go all the time since we live in AZ and can drive there. We always fill a backpack with snacks and water bottles. We also have learned to go to Walmart or some stores outside Disney to buy our merch. We get the same things for so much cheaper. And for anyone using Fast Pass, get one for Radiator Springs first thing in the morning. They go fast! The first time we went they were all gone by 11:00.

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Blogging since 2008, LaVonne is fumbling happily through life with her pastor-husband and two wild kids. A family lifestyle blogger covering all ranges of topics including parenting, faith, travel, recipes, crafts and more! Read More…

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